In this article, we’ll cover:
What is Vitamin E?
Vitamin E is the collective name for a group of fat-soluble compounds with distinctive antioxidant properties1. It was discovered in 1922 by Herbert M Evans and Katherine Bishop, isolated in 1935 and fully characterised in 19361. Alpha-tocopherol (the most abundant and purest form of vitamin E) plays an important role in neutralising free radicals, moisturising skin, and improving the appearance of visible skin ageing. It can be derived synthetically or sourced naturally in foods such as2:
- Olive oil
- Nuts
- Seeds
- Cereals
Vitamin E for skin
So, what does vitamin E do for skin? Although naturally found in food, vitamin E has also been used for over 50 years in skincare1. The topical use of products containing vitamin E can be beneficial for maintaining a healthy skin appearance. It is available in cream form and as an oil, and is added to many cosmetic products including anti-ageing creams, eye serums, sunscreens and make-up3.
The Benefits of Vitamin E for The Skin
As with most vitamins, we know they are good for us and we may even know that vitamin E is an antioxidant which helps to maintain healthy skin, but do we understand why?
Vitamin E keeps our skin healthy by3:
Antioxidant properties
The leading benefit of vitamin E is that it protects the skin from the damaging effects of free radicals.1 Free radicals are natural biological compounds formed when our bodies convert the food we eat into energy4. We are also exposed to free radicals in the environment from cigarette smoke, air pollution and ultraviolet light from the sun, all of which have damaging effects to the skin4.
The free radical molecules contain an unshared electron, making them highly energetic and react rapidly to form Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS)4. The ROS try to grab electrons from atoms in the skin, causing damage to skin’s DNA, which results in the ‘speeding up’ of the skin ageing process4,5.
Antioxidants help protect cells from these damaging effects and specifically vitamin E acts to neutralise the production of ROS when fat undergoes oxidation4.
Immune system boost
Another key vitamin E benefit is that the body uses it to boost its immune system to fight off invading bacteria and viruses. The vitamin E found in cellular membranes serves as a primary defense against potentially harmful oxidation reactions6. It also helps to widen blood vessels and keep blood from clotting within them4. This essential nutrient with anti-inflammatory properties helps to support the immune system and cell function as well as skin health.
Moisturising effect
Vitamin E is stored within the sebaceous glands of the skin which secrete an oily or waxy matter called sebum3. When applied topically, it boosts our levels of vitamin E within these glands, increasing sebum production which helps lubricate and waterproof our skin and hair3. It therefore acts as a useful moisturiser for dry skin areas such as cuticles and elbows3.
Anti-ageing effect
Another of the main benefits of vitamin E for skin is its anti-ageing properties. We all know that ultraviolet light from the sun damages our skin and speeds up the ageing process. UV light reduces vitamin E levels in the skin and creates free radicals and ROS, causing damage to the proteins and cells that form skin3.
Vitamin E levels also decrease with age3. By topically applying vitamin E, we can help boost our skin’s vitamin E levels and help protect skin from the damaging free radicals caused by sun exposure3.
So, vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant which, when used topically, can help nourish and protect skin from damaging free radicals. Pretty radical.
Vitamin E skincare products
Want to include vitamin E in your skincare routine? Discover our vitamin E skincare products:
C E Ferulic For Visible Signs of Ageing
Vitamin C Antioxidant Serum For Normal & Dry Skin Types
Resveratrol B E Night Serum For Ageing Skin
Nightime Antioxidant Serum For Dry & Normal Skin Types
Daily Moisture 60ml
A lightweight, pore minimizing moisturiser, designed to hydrate and nourish normal, combination, an oily skin.
Sources
1. Keen MA, Hassan I, Indian Dermatol Online Journal 2016;7(4):311-315.
2. NHS online, Vitamin E https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vitamins-and-minerals/vitamin-e/ (accessed 18/12/2018)
3. Healthline, Vitamin E and Your Skin, Friends Through Food https://www.healthline.com/health/vitamin-e-for-skin#usage (accessed 18/12/2018)
4. National Institutes of Health (NIH), Vitamin E Fact Sheet for Health Professionals https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminE-HealthProfessional/ (accessed 18/12/2018)
5. American Nutrition Association http://americannutritionassociation.org/newsletter/vitamin-e-factor-summary-review (accessed 18/12/2018)
6. Rall LC, Military Strategies for Sustainment of Nutrition and Immune Function in the Field 1999 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK230984/ (accessed 18/12/2018)
Answers to your frequently asked vitamin E questions.
